The unstinting efforts and hard work of one of charity Winchester Radio’s volunteers – Nigel Dallard, have been formally recognised at this year’s National Community Radio Awards! Nigel was presented with the Gold award in the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ category.
The judges said of Nigel: “This person wears many different hats, and tackles the jobs that every station needs. They deserved recognition and applause for all they do.”
Nigel Dallard, said of receiving the Gold award:
“It is fantastic that all the volunteer effort involved in community radio is recognised, especially the behind the scenes work. I am thrilled and honoured to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award, and feel very humbled. Congratulations to all the Finalists at this year’s awards.”
Following the ceremony at the weekend, Winchester Radio’s Chairman, Anna O’Brien said:
“All our amazing team at Winchester Radio are volunteers, giving their time and skills for free for the benefit of those in need. Nigel has volunteered for the charity for 34 years, and he is one of the most diligent, hardworking and altruistic people I have ever known. It is brilliant to see him get recognition for all he does. He has an unwavering commitment to the charity and a real ‘can-do’ attitude. We are very lucky to have him.”
Winchester Radio aims to support people aged 50+; promoting what is happening locally and community activities people can get involved with; signposting people to health, charity and support services they may need; keeping people engaged with the community; and helping reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. The charity is run entirely by volunteers aged from 21 to 83.
Martin Steers, awards chair, said:
“As ever, the judges tell me how impressed they are with the output of our sector, and how year on year, it steps up a level. It’s the second year of awards within a pandemic, but organisations like Winchester Radio have proven their value at the heart of their local areas. The recognition for Nigel Dallard and Winchester Radio is well deserved, and we hope it recognises their success, and encourages others to engage, represent and support their communities.”
The Community Radio Awards, now in their sixth year, is a national programme open to all Ofcom-licenced community radio stations in the UK and is designed through an intensive judging process to recognise those stations and volunteers producing great quality content, and making strides to connect, support and engage with their communities. More than 430 entries were received from stations across the country. The awards ceremony was held in Coventry, as part of the UK City of Culture celebrations.
More information on the Community Radio Awards can be found on the Community Radio Awards website.